During a session at the summit, Mindy Armstrong, director of food insights and innovations, Food IQ, was reported to share examples of opportunity flavors and emerging flavors.

Opportunity Flavors

Opportunity flavors are those that are growing in popularity.

1. Bitter profiles: Mintel reported growing U.S. consumer interest in bitter flavors, mainly due to increased interest in health—a third of U.S. consumers are reducing their sugar intake by a third and the American Heart association has brought awareness to high salt levels in food. Manufacturers are adding bitter and sour flavors to create healthier options for their health-conscious customers.

5. Upscale American Southern: Armstrong gave examples of fried chicken and biscuits.

6. Small-batch spirits: According to Nielsen, craft beer is driving most of the growth across the overall beer market—35% of adults 21 and older say they are more interested in trying an adult beverage labeled craft. Forty-six percent of men aged 21–24 are more likely to try a craft beverage.

Consumers associate craft with small, independent companies—women associating it specifically with handcrafted products and men associating it with small-batch production.

Emerging Flavors

Emerging flavors are flavors that are ready to be put to the test.

7. Black garlic

8. Egg whites in beverages

9. Fish sauce

10. Goat meat

11. Quail

12. Ethnic soups (ramen, pozole, Pho)

13. Low-gluten heritage wheat varieties

14. Seaweed

15. Posh jerky

Perfumer & Flavorist Insights

A few top opportunity flavors include bitter profiles, Asian flavors and small-batch spirits while emerging flavors feature black garlic, seaweed and posh jerky.